Module: H20 - What's so special about water?

LONG TITLE          Introducing the basic properties of water and their relevance for hydrology

AUTHOR               Thorsten Wagener

LAST UPDATED     In progress - Fall 2009

ABSTRACT

This module is an introduction into the physical properties of water.  Topics include density, heat capacity, pressure, surface tension, etc.  Every property includes an example (for discussion) about what role this physical characteristic plays.  Examples are the importance of density in ocean circulation or of heat capacity in our climate.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. To be able to execuse simple calculations with respect to the physical properties of water.
2. To understand the importance of the specific physical properties of water in the hydrologic cycle.